Thinking music

[MacFall]

I'm having a bit of trouble concentrating on my writing recently, and I'm experimenting with different music to help me think. When Sherlock Holmes needed to think, he listened to Pablo Sarasate, but I've heard a little bit of Sarasate, and I find it actually distracts more than anything. Enya works alright, and so does trance music or ambient electronica - but the latter two actually relax me a bit too much. The best I've found so far is quiet soprano opera pieces, but unfortunately most opera isn't quiet.

Do you have any favorite thinking music? If so, share here.

This is what I'm listening to right now, while I wrap up the second chapter of my online novel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_aafzAVj3g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeG52vWaldQ

 

[MehGuy]

I like to listen to black metal when I need to think of something to write or draw regarding my cartoons. Seems to fit the mood and the repetitiveness gives you a feeling of pushing on.

 

[Keri]

Yes I do.

Although I'm not sure if he wants me to post his video on here or not.

Neal's piano improv.

 

[Thunder Peel]

I can listen to almost any kind of music for any occasion. However, if I'm studying or writing I like to listen to a lot of instrumental music and soundtracks, mostly from John Williams, Mark Snow, Yuji Ohno, John Barry, and Greg Edmonson.

 

[Tink]

I like to stay away from music with words. Otherwise, those words can influence what I'm thinking/writing.

If I'm *just* thinking, I listen to Andrea Bocelli a lot.

 

[Edwards1984]

I often listen to Philip Glass or anything that is long and orchestral (if that's the right way to put it). A lot of time movie soundtracks do that for me.

 

[Inkachu]

I've heard that many authors like background music when they write. But I'm afraid I can't relate; I need absolute silence without distractions in order to write. Maybe I'm the exception to the rule?

 

[acropolis]

Music for 18 Musicians

 

[Stravinsk]

As a musician, thinking (of other things besides music) while listening or playing do not go hand in hand with me.

For one, it stuffs up concentration when you are playing something that requires your attention - so I always try to keep my mind on the music itself.

Otherwise, if I'm listening to something I'm usually improvising on it musically in my head or analysing the music itself - be that harmony repeats, sequences, tonal centers, instrumentation etc - or just simply letting myself be one with the music.

 

[Stravinsk]

Btw, MacFall - the peice in the OP is gorgeous. I do not recognise it - who is the composer and what is that excerpt from?

 

[Riddik7]

When i truly need to think and clear my mind it always comes down to Demon Hunter.... no matter the situation it always works...

 

[l0v3n]

Movie Soundtracks on pandora.com with a mix of classical music. It starts to get repetitive after awhile...

 

[Inkachu]

Btw, MacFall - the peice in the OP is gorgeous. I do not recognise it - who is the composer and what is that excerpt from?

The composer is Rachmaninov, the singer is Sarah Brightman, it's from her "Classics" album.

 

[MacFall]

The composer is Rachmaninov, the singer is Sarah Brightman, it's from her "Classics" album.

Beat me to it.

I less than three Rachmaninov, but his stuff is too dynamic to work reliably for inspiration. Tonight I'm trying Debussy and Satie.

 

[Themistocles]

I don't listen too much to music while writing but when I do it's classical- usually something I've listened to a billion times before. If you're into opera, I've recently been listening to Parsifal by Wagner.